ASHIKO DrumOriginating from Nigeria, it means freedom. It is used for carnivals and festivals. They can be found in Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil. It is historic among the Yoruba people.

BATA DrumA traditional ceremonial drum used for healing, calling of the spirits, and protection.

JA (HA)A broom made of palm tree leaves used to drive away sickness.

Orisha Beads The colors of the beads represent each orisha (gods & goddesses) and are worn by their initiates.

Opon Ifa A tray or bowl used for spiritual ceremonies.

Yoruba Oro Ese DanceA traditional Oro Efe masks dance for the Yoruba to remind them to respect and honor the female elders and mothers.

GA(Ghana)

Dodopo BellA hand bell used to keep the time for the many different rhythm patterns in Ga music.

Tokie Bell A canoe looking bell used to keep the time for the many different rhythm patterns in Ga music.

Ngon-gp Bell A double bell known as the “town-crier.” It is used to make announcements and send messages throughout the village. It is also used to keep the time for the many different rhythm patterns in Ga music.

KAA Bowl and Ito PounderSimilar to a mortar and pestle used to pound, mash, and grind ingredients for cooking Ghanaian food.

ShekereThis shaker is used in Ghanaian music. It is made of natural resources from gourd and seeds (alonte hieme), which come from a tree vine that grows from the ground.

The Linguists’ Golden StaffsLinguists act as intermediaries between the leaders and those who wish to address them.

Shona (Zimbabwe)

Mbira DzavadzimuIndigenous to Zimbabwe for thousands of years. A musical instrument often played at spiritual ceremonies and social gatherings.

HoshasIndigenous to Zimbabwe, this musical instrument is a hollowed out maranka gourd containing hota seeds that is used as a shaker.

Water Drum with malletsMade with two gourds of different sizes filled with water to make sounds used in traditional music.

Soap Stone SculptureStone sculpture has become a symbol of national pride in Zimbabwe and has become popular throughout the world. These sculptures played an important religious role in early Shona society.